Clinical Services

We offer molecular DNA/RNA based clinical services. Such tests can be considered for disease conditions or elective DNA tests not associated with disease (e.g. Paternity or forensic identity DNA testing). For test of disease conditions, DNA variations may be noted in association with either hereditary (Genetic) or acquired medical conditions (See Below). IBM2 genetic testing is an example of hereidtary (genetic) test. The clinical services currently offered are:
  1. IBM2 Genetic Counseling and Testing. Download requisition (pdf).
  2. Paternity Test. Offerred for the convenience of our local community.
  3. Other. Includes a list of DNA/RNA based tests we may offer in the future, depending on local community needs. If you are interested in one or more of these tests, please contact us for more information.
Important information: Prior to sending patient specimen, please fax pertinent billing information (e.g. photocopy of insurance card front and back, and driver's license) for pre-authorization procedure. Our fax number is (818) 337-7250.

Genetic testing

HRG subscribes to the definition "genetic test" put forth by the NHGRI Genetic Testing Taskforce. Genetic test are "The analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Such purposes include predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers and establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or prognosis. Prenatal, newborn and carrier screening, as well as testing in high-risk families, are included. Tests for metabolites are covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess or deficiency of the metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes."

The purpose of the genetic testing may be divided to the following categories:

  • Testing for clinical management: Genetic testing done in order for a healthcare professional to make the necessary clinical decisions to maximize chance of successful treatment. HRG views this category as the most important reason to perform genetic testing, and requires minimal pre testing counseling by the healthcare professionals ordering the test.
  • Testing for confirmation of diagnosis: Genetic testing done to confirm a diagnosis made based on clinical information and the phenotype of the patient. HRG views this category of significant value, and requires verbal but thorough informed consent, pre testing, and post testing consultation by a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Testing for risk assessment: Genetic testing done, in healthy or apparently healthy people, as a predictive or risk assessment test. Predictive test results do not necessarily mean that the disease will inevitably occur or remain absent; they replace the individual's prior risks based on population data or family history with risks based on genotype. Some, but not all, predictive genetic testing falls under the rubric "genetic screening," a search in a population for persons possessing certain genotypes. HRG views this category of significant value only for appropriately chosen patients. In such cases, HRG subscribes to the policy of "Your Genes, Your Choices", which is found below. HRG requires written informed consent, and thorough pre testing, and post testing consultation by the patients well informed physician or genetic counselor.
  • Carrier Testing: (synonyms: carrier detection, heterozygote testing) Testing used to identify usually asymptomatic individuals who have a gene mutation for an autosomal recessive or X-linked disorder. Carrier testing is offered to individuals (A) who have family members with a genetic condition; (B) who have family members who are identified carriers; and (C) who are members of ethnic or racial groups known to have a higher carrier rate for a particular condition.

Your Genes, Your Choices. In cases of genetic testing for the purpose of risk assessment or carrier testing, HRG believes the patient should be well educated and informed regarding the potential personal implications of such tests, prior to undergoing the test. It is particularly important to realize that the information gained from such genetic testing may irreversibly affect lives and the lives of loved ones. During the pre testing consultation session, individuals should consider all possible results, and how each results can affect their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. Additionally, the patient should be informed that anonymous testing is available at HRG, which would significantly increase the confidentiality of the testing and the results. In situations when the physician or genetic counselor is not convinced that their patient fully understand the implications of each possible result, and the patient is able to cope with all possible results of the genetic test, HRG strongly recommends against the genetic test.


Acquired Medical Conditions

Some acquired medical conditions, such as viral/bacterial infections, may be accurately detected by DNA based testing using highly sensitive and specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). We perform a limited set of such tests for our local community healthcare centers.

Ethical and moral issues concerning DNA/RNA based testing for acquired non-hereditary tests are less controversial because often an effective prevention and/or treatment is available. For the same reason, such tests are more often medically indicated and needed for routine medical care of patients.

Upon local communities need, a specific DNA/RNA based test may be requested. If we are unable to provide the test for you, it is likely we will be able to direct you to a reference laboratory that performs such specilized test.

Please contact us for more information.

*Revenue generated from services are used to accelerate the development of a treatment for IBM2."
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